Honeymoon Stage

It has been almost 2 weeks since I had my last day at the assisted living facility.
Making the decision to indeed quit was very, very difficult. I'm one of the rare people that enjoyed (most of the time, if you looked past the "politics and procedures")their job. I loved the residents.
And, while we needed the money, we didn't need the money.
But, my family does need me and they will always come first. Working 40+ hours a week, random days was not what I signed up for.

After I gave my written notice (3 week notice, mind you) my boss did propose a job share type of scheduling accommodation for me and while I sincerely appreciated his effort, his lack of effort previously and the fact that he has been screwing up my schedule from the day he took over the building, didn't leave me with much trust that he'd get it right now.

So, I slowly let residents know I would be leaving at the end of the month (October). **Ami, imagine telling your kids you would be leaving them in 3 weeks!?  Heartbreaking!!**
Some residents were flat out angry and wanted to speak to my boss immediately. And, while I appreciated their sentiments, I had already made up my mind.
Some residents expressed their regrets and I was sad as well.

On my last day, there were many, many tears. From myself and residents. Some, I didn't even know they knew who I was, but here they were, giving me cards and hugging me. It was horribly sweet.
I promised that I would return, that I would come back and volunteer and they would see me again.
One lady said "They all say that." I said "Rochelle, you know me. When I say I will do something, I do it. Right?"  "Yeah, you did say you'd pluck my chin hairs and you stayed after your shift and got every single one!!"  ( :

We did not tell the kids I was quitting my job. For several reasons. A) to make sure I actually had the guts and would really do it. And, B) I was going out of town immediately after my last day .  I didn't want to be "Kids, mom will be home with you more now. But, not yet!! See ya!!"

My last day was a Thursday. So, the following Monday, Josie noticed I wasn't getting dressed for work. I was there to greet the little boys off the school bus. They knew something was up.
As they ate their ice cream sundaes (best after school snack ever!!) I told them "I don't work today. Or the next. Or the next. Or the next..."
They caught on very quickly and were over the moon with happiness. Made my mama's heart very happy.
However, Jeven did expect ice cream for a snack the next day as well.

The last 2 weeks have been WONDERFUL!!
My house has never been cleaner.
The laundry has never been more caught up (still not 100% but I'm still holding on to that dream).
There has been banana bread, pumpkin pie, caramels, chicken pot pie, and biscuits. All handmade from scratch.
I've been more relaxed. The kids have been more relaxed.
Things have just been.....dare I say it....peaceful.

I know that this is probably the Honeymoon Stage. Where it's all wedded bliss until the new husband leaves the toilet seat up. Or, in this case, until someone catches the flu. (Or, when I start my seasonal, temporary part time job at the end of this month)

But, if the last year and a half has taught me anything, it's that my heart is at home. I know now, more than ever, that it's a blessing. I know there are many women (and men, too!) that want to be home but can't .

I hope the honeymoon stage lasts a very, very long time.